I Heart The Otways

I was ready for a new challenge today, and wanted to see somewhere new. So…after a quick spot of Internet surfing, I found Currawong Falls in the Otway’s (near Aireys Inlet).

Aireys Inlet is along the world famous Great Ocean Road. Split Point lighthouse (at Aireys Inlet) is a popular end point of the Surf Coast Walk (even though it goes a bit further).

But, if you go slightly inland there’s so much to see – as I discovered today. Leaving from Distillery Creek picnic area, this circuit walk promised a ‘fascinating mix of habitats: ironbark and other eucalypt forests, melaleuca swamps, fern gullies, sheoak stands on high ridges with panoramic views, and steep sided gorges’ (words from www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au) – and that’s exactly what it delivered.

Even though the actual falls had no water, it was a beautiful walk along varied terrain. The hiking trail is shared with mountain bikes, and was listed on the above website as ‘strenuous’ and 12km. The signs in the park say 10.2km. I’m not sure which one is right, but it took me just under 3 hours (including a generous lunch stop and lots of photo/video stops). I didn’t find it too strenuous at all. More like a gentle climb.

Here are 3 videos I took along the bushwalking trail, to give you an idea of what to expect. The first one was taken at Currawong Falls, the second at the highest point of the walk, and the last one as I was almost back at my car.

Bio: Sam is a daydreamer, storyteller, and hiker. She loves getting outside, and you’ll often find her on the bushwalking trails close to her hometown of Geelong. You can follow along with her on Facebook and Instagram.